Siemens is giving members of the National Autistic Society (NAS), as well as other children and families living with autism, a unique opportunity to experience a whistle-stop, backstage tour around the state-of-the-art Ardwick train maintenance facility on Saturday October 23rd, as part of Manchester Science Festival.
Visitors to Ardwick train maintenance facility – home to the 51-strong fleet of Class 185 diesel Desiro trains – will be able to try the exciting on-site simulator and experience what it is like to drive a train in a replica train cab. There will be trains on jacks ready for cleaning and maintenance, a chance to learn about the automatic points system and observe the train wheel lathe in action.
Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the NAS, said: “There are over half a million people in the UK with autism – that’s around one in 100. If you include their families and carers, autism touches the lives of over two million people every day. The railways are of great interest to many people living with autism, so we are delighted that people will be given this rare opportunity for a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of a real train care depot.”
Pete Redding, Fleet Manager for the Siemens trains based at Ardwick, said:
“Siemens and First Transpennine Express are proud to be teaming up with the NAS to host an informative and unforgettable open day for children and families living with autism. Ardwick is one of the most modern Traincare facilities in the country and home to 51 trains which travel from Liverpool all the way up to Scotland.”
The event is restricted to ticket holders only. To register your interest and obtain your FREE ticket please visit www.siemens.co.uk/msf or call number 0161 446 5979.. Please note children younger than five years of age cannot be accepted on the tours.
This year’s bigger and better Manchester Science Festival is entertaining the region from 23 - 31 October. Over 200 exciting events will take place across Greater Manchester during half term. There will be something for everyone - from bee knitting to chocolate making, stand-up comedy to workshops, talks and demonstrations - and even an awe-inspiring trip into the mysteries of the Universe!
Manchester Science Festival is now in its triumphant fourth year and has quickly become the most popular science festival in the UK! As well as exploring all aspects of science, this year the Festival celebrates the International Year of Biodiversity. The Festival brings together universities, museums, unusual venues and community spaces to inspire people from across the region and learn more about why science is amazing, great fun and an essential, accessible part of everyday life.
For the full listings visit: www.manchestersciencefestival.com
..................................................ENDS...........................................................................
For further media information please call Emma Whitaker at Siemens on 079212 46942 / emma.whitaker@siemens.com or Ben Ormsby at Smoking Gun PR on 0161 921 8164 / ben@smokinggunpr.co.uk
Visit the Festival website: www.manchestersciencefestival.com
Follow us on: Twitter.com/mcrscifest
Like us on Facebook: Manchester Science Festival
Notes to editors:
Siemens
As a leading global engineering and technology services company, Siemens provides innovative solutions to help tackle the world’s major challenges, across the key sectors of energy, industry and healthcare. Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 167 years ago and now employs 17,000 people in the UK. With offices and factories throughout the UK, Siemens has its headquarters in Frimley, Surrey. The company’s global headquarters is in Munich, Germany. For more information, please visit www.siemens.co.uk.
National Autistic Society
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.
Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.
The National Autistic Society is the UK's leading charity for people with autistic spectrum disorders and their families. Founded in 1962, it continues to spearhead national and international initiatives and provide a strong voice for all people with autism. The NAS provides a wide range of services to help people with autism and Asperger syndrome live their lives with as much independence as possible. The NAS relies on the support of its members and donors to continue its vital work for people with autism. To become a member, make a donation or to find out more about the work of the NAS, visit the NAS website www.autism.org.uk.
For more information about autism and for help in your area, call the NAS Autism Helpline on: 0845 070 4004 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday, (local rates apply). The NAS Autism Services Directory is the UK’s most comprehensive directory of services and events for people with autism. Visit www.autism.org.uk/autismdirectory to find autism services and support networks in your area.